MADRID, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona visits giant killers Albacete in the first quarterfinal of the Copa del Rey on Tuesday night, looking to avoid the fate of Real Madrid and Celta Vigo at the hands of the Spanish second-division outfit.
Albacete has gained momentum in the Spanish second division since beating Real Madrid, with three consecutive wins, and its Carlos Belmonte Stadium will be packed in the hope of another upset.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick is almost certain to rest Raphinha, who ended Saturday's 3-1 win in Elche with a slight groin strain and was substituted at halftime. Pedri, Gavi and Andreas Christensen are also still out injured.
However, Flick has the option of bringing players such as Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski into his starting 11 as he looks to freshen things up and rotate his squad after the weekend.
Wednesday sees two more quarterfinals, with Alaves at home to Real Sociedad in a Basque derby.
Alaves has already knocked out top-flight opponents Sevilla and Rayo Vallecano and its position in La Liga looks healthier after consecutive wins, while Real Sociedad makes the short trip to Vitoria-Gasteiz after a 1-1 draw away to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday in another derby.
Athletic Bilbao travels to Valencia with coach Ernesto Valverde still dealing with a host of injuries and Nico Williams likely to be sidelined for up to two months as he looks to finally overcome the pelvic issues that have troubled him all season.
Valverde will have defender Inigo Lekue available and is likely to make changes from the side that was fortunate to take a point on Sunday night.
Betis is at home to Atletico Madrid on Thursday, with Atletico likely to hand a debut to new signing Ademola Lookman. ■
